Couch or couch-bed.



UNITE sanqsrirENr OFFICE. i

cHARLits L. PLUNKETT, or NEW YORK, N. YL., AssIGNoR To AMERICAN COUCH COMPANY, OF NEW YOR YORK;

Specification of Letters Patent.

K, N. r., A `-eoiueoRArIoN orrNiIi/v Patented mmh 13,1906.

Application filed January 13. 1905. Serial No. 240,849.

: l i 1 -o @Mytob/om w may concer n.

Beit'known that I, CHARLES L. PLUNKETT, a citiz'en of the United States, residing inthe borough of Manhattan, city of New York, in the county 0f New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and usefulmade up of a pair of improved sections, and

in which the metallic fabric of one section will move between the metallic fabric and the side bar of the other section, so that when extended the two metallic fabrics will be nearly level to form an extensible or double bed, and which can be readily telescoped to form a single bedv or couch. A flrther object of the invention is the pro vision of an improved extensible couch orv couch-bed made u of two sections, so assembled that one will e guided relatively to the other by improved guiding means which will not only facilitate the drawing out of the exe tensible section, but also act as means for maintaining the two sections permanently connected together against separation unless dismantled.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved means for locking the two sections extended or closed.

A still further object of the inventionis the revision of an extensible couch orcouched made up of a pair of improved sections, each of which is so constructed that it may be readily assembled by the retailer, to whom it may be shipped in a knockdown ordismantled condition, thus obviating the necessity of eachbcing assembled, as heretofore, by the manufacturer andshipped in this condiltion to the retailer.

perspective viewfo this improved extensiblef* couch or couch-bed, the extensible section being shown partly drawn out, a portion only ofthe metallic fabric being shown. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional` View ofthis improved ex-l tensibleor sliding couch or couch-bed, Fig.

extensible or slid-l 3 is a perspective view of one of the sections' dismantled. Fig. 4 is a view of such section with all of its-parts set up and fixedly con# nected, a portion only of the metallic fabric being shown, the dotted' lines illustrating the position of the end frames prior tothe con-v nection of the metallic fabric, and the full lines illustrating the end frames under the tension of the metallic fabric. Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the socket members for the reception of one end of a side bar. Fie. 6 is a diferent form of socket member usedrwhen the side bar is of tubular or round construction rather than of angle-iron. Figs. F[and 8 are views of this improved locking device or clamp, that shown in Fig. 7 being adapted for use with angle-iron side bars and that shown in Fig. Sadaptcd for use with a` tubular or round side bar. l

Similar characters` of reference designate corresponding'parts throughout the different figures of the drawings,

The present improvement comprises in the preferred form thereof herein shown and described a pair of improved sections A andfB, each comprising a pair of end frames 2 and 3, a pair ofside bars 4 and 5, and stretchable flexible fabrid-such, for instance, as a metallic fabric 6, stretched between suchend frames-the organization beiner such that one of the extensible sections B 's slightly shorter and lower than the other, so that it will slide between the end frames with its metallicfabric between the metallic fabric and the side bai' of the other or main section A, and thereby permit the metallic fabrics to .be nearly level when thesectioiis are extended to form a double couch lor couch-bed.

Each end frame comprises a pair 'of legs or feet 7 and a cross-bar 8, all of rigid construction and preferably integral, being usually- When l IOO v cured to the tubular cross-bar of each end frame, and this iron provided withapertures 1 ett the metollio fsforie, or jf los 'formed iiireotiyin the to: x: arose-oars. "lL-.o sido hors, which are held in position Without rivets or other ias t 1g moons, provient suitable sookets ll, rieti hy the legs of the end iremos, ond :for this purpose ose-h leg is'pro lo "i a eerst* ing l2, secured thereon in any iitslole man* nor, by moans of o pin or ri chilled thomson, end which casting is v.nm/*idool with a suitable soeket il, according 'to tho Shop@ of? the sitio hor 'that is to he used. in the form shown in Figs. l, 2, and 5 this :socket is shown oi ti-shone forma-tion for the reception of on single-iron side loer] 3, the apex M thereof hoi ot the top whereby the side hors here greater strength ond. rigidity against hue Ming. n Eooh Casting moy 'be formed with o suitable web 15, forming s. bruco or stiiloning moans. in the forno. shown in Fig. o the socket il is of tubular formation for the roooption oi' o, tubular or round bar i6. .ln some forms o'l the structure, ospooiolly when it is desired to use o light sirio los?, o, stoy 17 is o'.esireolo,l (see dottori iinos. Fig. Wluoh, in. present instance, eoinprisos o ribbon-like bor, the omis of which ero riveted to the forni loo; i8, suol/i loops psr-initing r to he ily slippeci on or ofi ol: the legs 'Y i iremos oro not counseled by' .te brio. V)lf-"or nonomiy connecting tho 'two seo tions to/lieti when. this desirable, whicl's,

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however. not always the coso, ogoinst sopa g5 ration without dismantling 'nfrve profioeii seo-li end finire of 'the moin sootion with o. rod or tier 1.9, pre 'ably loeotofi mijeoent to l which receive the sirio hors, "for pn noso in the iorin shown oooh casting soot-.ion .loes its; web i5 urliisiieri if. lili er opening 2G, 'through which the rofl Tl. il @ses ji, sooh rod having a. head 2l otono emi. onde not or other lilo demping in :it other omi for rigidly 45 it inposition. The two castings of the x- 'onsibe Lorroarried by two logs which inv oen the, legs of the moin section oro rr outer sides with webs 23,

ring; sirrner openingsfiin lino with the zo seeming r; the webs or the mein section, through tleese two openings or" the extenqible Seel-ion this rofl 1Q is pessed boioro i is tion. Ey 'this moons the 'two enontly seminare-2i together,

lL 5 not roniovori from the Jwliomonthng @moin oe tion.

- l also .eet oreessiior the soo l i also he used on the extonsilflr, cti tiresomepurjoose, (see 6o dotted lines im. 4,) sind espeoio-liy this ziehie when the ond. i1s.ii,.. oremmilo of on Tho oasi-i1" moy he formed. as il, l sind G, if alesired-- 7 ineyhovo ai pair of Wells o5 provided i h holes. in this manner stoy casting oouhi he plfeod on any leg without the nooessity ol particularly lil tingvthe somo, which is neressairy when the castings are formed as shown in Fig. i.

For clamping tho two sections together when extended or whon elosefl l have rovided s suitable clamping means 3l), which comprises two pairs of' springr momhers 31, oooh pair secured intermediate their ends to 'the inner Side bor of the extensible section B, and which members are bent to conform to 'the particular shape ol the sido hars. Those members ore seeured, as stated, to the inner sido bar of the extensible section and project in both directions, so that when the extensible section is nested. the outer poil' o1" arms of oooh clamping member will engage the outer sidebar of the moin section an( whom the seotion is extended the inner pair of arms of' euch clamping .member will engage the inner side bei* of such moin seetion, tl'iorohy clamping the two sections in either their extended or eloseci position.

(lne of the important advantages of the present eonstruotion is that oooh section is made up of fi'poir of ond irsnies, si pair of' side bars, :mil :i metellie fabric, the tension of which holds all the parts rigidly :assembled Without rivets or other similar 'fastening meops ond which een he. readily assembled lnythi'frl tailor instead of by the mfmuizioturer, iis has horetoioro been necessary.

Heretofore it has been necessary for the manufacturer to assemble eziehsoction prior to shipment, sine@ the parts were either so connected, as by rivets or otherwise, that the retesilor eoulfl not do so, not having a. rnoohineshop or the facilities to ossernl'iio the several ports, the oxpenso of providing end 11mintoining oooh facilities being too greet to worront such sin ou tloy.

lin-the proscrit instance it will loe noted that noch from@ comprises o pair of lows and. o. orosehor, all bent from one pieoo or' motel, and Whon modo from ongle-iron the holes for the mattress will he formed directly therein und when Inside of tubular steek on. miele-iron member oonl he riveted br the manu seturor to the end ironie. Each log is then proviiiod with suitable cost.' ig either riveted or otherwise seoured thereto. having n, socket adopted to reoeivotho end of ai. eide bei which wiii conform the shape 'of the `soc-.kot in .suoli Quoting. Thos, reto; ing to 3, two anal. iranes, the two side hors, .find the mot-ellis iobrio emi be shigmefl in a. knocked clown or dismantled ooruiition sind in o much smaller sorteo than heretofore, the result hein?y ia. groot. saving ir; the oost of mfinufooturo, in the oost oi shipment, and in 1. XF I.' 1 the honoring :it both ends of toe sections of thol, hed. Cm their receipt in. this condition by the rotiiiler all that lhe needs to do is to insortlthe two side hors into the sockets of the two lend frames, bool; thebrnotullio i'sbrio into IOO IIO

stated, at a great saving of time, labor, cost one of the cross-bars cfu-one of 4theend frames,

" take a b uttonfhook and stretch and hook the other-end of the metallic fabric into the apertures provided for that purpose4 in the other end `fra`me,.and4 which it has been demonstratedlcan be readil done notwithstanding the4 spiral` springs o "the vmetallic fabric are very powerful in their action, whereupon the i tween the end frameswith litsl metallic fabric -of'the other section, the ,bracefrods, ifthese' be us'ed, sllipped into position ,and clamped,

'section is complete and ready for use. One

section is then inserted'intofposition bebetweemthe sidebar and the metallic fabric and the .b ed iseoinplete, and complete, Vas

of production,` and cost of shipment, enabling thebed to-be made and'sold at inuch less cost than heretofore. Of course it will be obvious that one of these sections could-be used independently ofits'eompanion section, being readily-shipped in the knocked-down condition hereinbeforeset forth.

- The rods at the ends of the bed will, as hereinbefore stated,act as bracesorsta s to prea (f vent the spread of the le s under t eweight ofthe body, and especia ly may this be-de sirable when the chiffremes are made of some kinds of an ,le iron, although wtli otherfkinds of ang e-.iron-and withtubulai metal lthey need not be used. lNhen assembled inthe manner indicated bythe retailer, it will be seen that the tension of the metallic fabric constitutesithe means which'rig- 3 5 l'idly and fixedly connects the two end frames properly assembled and .permanently connectedby fthe. manufacturer before shipment is avoided. j i

4ln thosejstruotiires.where the stay-rods are used the retailer merely slips the looped ends.; thereof upon the legs below the side barsfinscrts the side baisvyand` then connects the metallic fabric, the tension of thel fabric drawing the stay taut and preventing the displacement thereof., i.. f

i To compensate fo'. any slightwl'ienrling of thegside bars, the sockets'may be located at. an. angle less than a right angle-. .for instance,

about eighty-eight. degrees-ete the castings ,or legs of the end fraineskso that when the cross-.barsugf thetendffraines are drawn togetherunder the tension ofthe metallic fab-Y ric the legs will be in ,a vertical position.

Fromthe foregoing it will be seen that each couch section or bed is very simple in its for mation, it cornprisineV4 in its simplest forni a pair of end franies,`t ie legs of which may be rigidlysecured to the cross-bars or supports or integral therewith, usually being bent` from a single piece, such pair of end frames being connected loosely-that is, separablyby a pair 'of rigid side bars or meine bers, suitable means being provided to pei'- mit this, which means is shown in the present instance as castings secured to the legs of the end ,frames and having sockets intoy which the side bars project (a reversal of this might be adopted) and a stretchable metallic fabric shorter than the distance between the two end frames wh'enproperly set up, so that .when stretched and connected to said end frames in any suitable manner the tension thereof will draw the two en d frames together and rigidl'yand'to all intents and pur poses permanently connect the end frames and side bars in their assembled set-up position in substantially the same condition as though the parts were riveted together, and

this without thelise of rivets or other similar fastening means. Of course when two of these sections are to be used together to form an extensible .or sliding couch bed, and should it be desirablek to provide a six-leg cxtensible coiichbed instead of eight-leg, one of the legs of each e'n'dffiame of one section. will be dispensed with; but'such end frames will still be connected loosely that is, sepa rably-by alpair of side bars in a manner simi The present structure has certain' advantages over the ordinary sliding couch in that aside from the fact that it can be used either as a couch or as a single or double bed or ar to vthat shown and describedwthat is, .to the end frames.

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readily separated to make two independent `single couches or beds which can beused either .in the same or different rooms it may be quickly taken apart by the owner-that is to say, the two sections mayvnot only be disconnected from each other, but the component parts of each section maybe readily yseparated s'o tliat the two side .bars and two end frames and the metallic 'fabric may be wrapped. up in a small bundle and stowed away in a very small space, which cannot be,

done with the ordinary extensible or sliding l couch or couch-bcd or with either section.

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thereof, andiithis is true whether thc owner has two sections or only one in use. v

Having thus described my invention, lI clairn*` 1. An extensible or sliding coubh-bcd, com prisinga pair of sections nesting transversely vone under the otliei,each such section coniprising a pair of end frames, a pair oi rigid side bars or.meinbel s loosely? or sepai'abl y connectedl with said eridframcaja flexible fabricsliorter thanthe distance .between said end frames when the latter, together with itsside are properly assembled and set up.l strctchablc between and attacliable end frames, so that all said of such parts are reiso tained in'assembled rigid position by the tension of the fabric, and means connecting said end frames below said side bars to prevent the spreading of the end frames under the tension of the fabric.

2. An extensible or sliding conch-bed, comprising a pair of nested sections, each section,

comprising a pair of end frames,a pair of rigid side bars or members loosely or separably connected with said end frames, a metallic fabric shorterthan the distance between said end frames when thelatter, together with its side bars, are properly assembled and set up,l and stretchable between and attachable to said end frames, so that all of said parts are retained in assembled rigid alinement by the tension of the fabric, and meansA for connecting the. end frames together below the side bars to prevent the spreading of the end frames under the tension ofthe fabric, the metallic fabric of one section movable transversely between a side bar and the metallic fabric of the other section.

'3. An extensible couch-bed, comprising pair of nested sections, each comprising pair of integrally-formed bent end frames,

, pair of side bars, and a pair ofstays, all sepa- .rably or loosely connected, said stays connecting the end frames below said side bars to prevent the spreading of the. end frames under the tension of the fabric, and a metallic fabric connecting said end frames,- the tension of said fabric maintaining all of such parts together in rigid alinement without rivets or other fastening means, and the metallic fabric of one section movable between a side bar and the metallic fabric of the other section.

4. An extensible or sliding couclnbed, comprising a pair of transversel -nesting sections, each made up of a pair o` end frames comprising a -pair of legs or feet land a cross-bar rigidly connected, a pair of rigid side bars or .members loosely or separail connected with said end frames, a metallic abric shorter than the distance between said end frames when the latter, together with its side bars,

are properly assembled and. set up, and stretchable between and attachable to said end frames, so that all of such parts are retained in assembled rigid alinement by the tension of the fabric, and a pair of stays in position on the feet of the end trames below the side bars to prevent the spreading of s'uch end frames under the tension of the fabric.

5. An extensible couch or couch-bed comprisin tallic fabric of one section will run between a side bar and the metallic fabric of the other section, and each comprising a pair ofend frames each of integral construction land consisting of a pair of legs and a' cross-bar, a side-` bar-receiving means carried byeach leg, va pair of side bars, stays stretched between Said legs below said si e (r a pair of sections nested so that a mebars, and a metallicl `in either the extended the extensible section.

siaiis fabric stretched between said cross-bars, the tension of the metallic fabric 'fixedly connecting all said parts rigidly together without rivets Aor other similar fastening means.

6. An extensible conch or.couchbed comprising a pair of sections nested so that a metallic fabric of one section will run between a side bar and the metallic fabric of the other section, and each section comprising a pair of end frames each of integral construction and consisting of a pair of legs and a cross-bar, a side-bar-reeeiving means carried by each leg, a pair of side bars, and a metallic fabric stretched between said cross-bars, the tension of the metallic fabric fixedly connecting all of said parts rigidly together, and a bracerod connecting the legs of each end frame of the main section together, and such main section permanently with the extensible section.

7. An extensible couch or couch-bed comprising a pair of sections each composed of a pair of end frames, a pair of side bars-and a metallic mattress stretched between such end frames, a rod connecting the two legs of each end frame of the main section to ether, and the main section with the. extensi le section, whereby the sections are not separable except on the dismantling of one of the sections.

8. An extensiblecouch or couch-bed com prising a pair of nested sections, each' comprising a pair of end frames, a pair of side iars, and a metallic mattress stretched between such end frames, the metallic mattress of one section running between the metallic mattress and a side bar of the other section, and rods or bars running through openings in the extensible section for locklng the two sections against separation except on the dismantlingof one of them.

9. An extensible conch or couch-bed comprising a pair of sections each comprisin a pair of end frames, a pair of side bars, an a metallic mattress stretched between such end frames, the metallic mattress of one section running between the metallic mattress and a side bar of the other section, each leg of the main section having a part provided with an opening, the inner legs of the extensible section also having a part provided with an opening in register with the openings of the main section, and a rod passing through said openings and secured in osition and forming a guide for the extensib e section.

l0. An extensible conch or couch-bed comprising a pair of nested sections each comprising a pair of end frames and a pair of side bars with a metallic mattress stretched between said end frames, and clamping means comprisinlr spring-arms carried by the inner side bar of the extensible section, and effective to lamp the side bars of the main section or closed position of izo . l11. .An extensible couch or couchlbedcomtended or closed position of thev extensible.

prising a pair of nested sections each compris-l ing avpair of end frames'and a pair of sidebars with a metallic mattress stretched' between said end frames, and clamping means comprising spring-arms carried by a part of said extensible section and effective 'to clampi a part of the main-section in either the exsection. l v

12. An extensible couch or couch-bed com prising a ing a pair of end frames and a pairof side bars with a metallic mattress stretched between said end frames, and clampingJmeans.

comprisin spring-arms; carried by the inner side bar o the extensible section and effect,-

ive to clamp the side bars of the'main section in either the extended or closedposition of the extensible section, said Asprin -arms conformin to tliiepshape of the side ars..`

13. couch iliade up of four legs, two side bars and two cross-bars, with across-bar connecting each pair of said legs to form an end;l

frame and the side bars connecting) snch end. cmg per.

frames together, two of said bars manently secured to'said legs and the lother two bars being lloosely or separably connected thereto, so that' each'pair of bars will have iixedly connectedij therewith a pair of' legs, a fabric short rt tween said l t gether with its side baits, are properly as -y sembled and setup, "and attachable to 'said end frames,

t are'maintained inrigid aline-- ment by the tension of the fabric,

end frav esw-hen thelatter, to

and stretchable between of said parts and a pair of stays connecting .said legs below the side tio yvent the spreadin ofthe end frames each consisting of a' pair o Afor the reception of a bars to prevent the spreadingl 'of the legs un,-

der the tension of the fabric.

1,4. A couch-sectlon, com rising a pair ofv end frames and a palr of s1 e bars or members loosely or separably connected vwith said end frames', a Vflexible fabric shorter than the distance between said end frames when vthe. latter, togetherwith its'. side bars, l,are

properly assembled and set up, and stretchable between and attachable to' said end frames, so that all of said parts areretained in assembled rigidposition by the tension of the fabric, an

means for tying the' end frames together below the side; bars to prethe tension of the abric. t

15. A couch-section comprising, two end Vlegs anda cross-bar rigid therewith and forming the'tie each end leg -ofwhich is provided with a cast-socket side bar, a pair of side bars, and a fabric stretched between said cross-bars the tension thereof fixedly connecting the vend frames and the side bars pair of nested sections each compris,

an the distance' besov thatall frames under rigidly together7 and stays connecting the legs of the two end frames,- all said parts bewithout the use of rivetsor bolts.

16. A couch-section, comprisinor apair of end frames, each bent rom a single member 'a pair of side bars loosely or separably connected with said end frames, a metallic fabric shorter than the distance between said end 'frames when the latter, together with its side bars, are roperly assembled rand set up, and stretchablie between and attachable to the end frames, so that such end frames and side bars are maintained in assembled rigid alinement by the tension of the fabric, and stays connecting the feet of the end frames below the side bars to revent the spreading of the end frames un( fabric-- A 17. A couch-section, comprising a pair of end frames, each comprising a cross-bar and apair nf legs or .loosely or se 'a metallic between said end frames when the latter, togeth'er-with its side bars', are properly assembled and set up, and stretchable betweenA Iand attachable to said cross-bars, so that all of said parts. are retained in rigid alinement arably connected with said feet,

between said end frames and side bars being such that they are inseparable until the fabric is first removed from the end frames, and a pair-of stays attached tothe feet ofsaid end frames below the side bars to sion of the fabric.

comprising a pair of end frames each bent from asingle member to form a pair of legs and a cross-bar, said cross-bar having means fabric, and each leg having means for the re. ception said cro"ss -bars and ixedly connecting the end framea and's'ide'btrs in rigid position, a z companion' section made in a similar manner, said sections being nesteid so that the metallic fabric' of one will run between `aside barl and the metallic fabric of thb metallic fabric will be nearlylevel when extended, vand means for ermanently connecting said sections toget er against separation without dismantling, said means-com risi a pair of rods connected onewith the egs o a pair of end frames of the other section. l Signed at Nos.' 9 to 15 Murray street, New York, N. Y., this 7th day of Januar 1905. CHARLESL. PLUN Witnessesz' C. A. Winn)I JOHN O. Snirnnr.'

to form a pair of integral feet and a cross-bar,

er the tension of the i abrio shorter than the distance t vby the tension ofthe fabric, the connectiont revent the' spreading of the end frames un er thetenof one end of'a side bar, a pair of side lbars and a metallic fabric stretched betweenl other, whereby the ingas'sembled as an article of manufacture feet,- a pair of rigid side bars rco 18. The combination of-a `couch-section I -for the connection of vone end ofa metallic t.

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each. end frame of the main section and with A' 

